Joey Cracked
Why “indefinite” should mean “forever.”
A long time ago, way back in the beginning of what has been an inexplicably long NBA career, Joey Crawford took anger management classes. Apparently he needs to re-enroll.
As linked to by my esteemed colleague Mr. Mutoni, Joey was indefinitely suspended by the League today following his UTEP two-step toss of Tim Duncan during Sunday’s Mavericks/Spurs tilt. This was just Joey being Joey, of course—overreacting to a player’s reaction, putting himself above the game. Essentially doing exactly what a referee should NEVER do. I’d be hard-pressed to name more than five officials/umpires/referees in ALL professional sports, and the ones that I CAN name, well, it’s not because they’re great. A truly great ref should work entirely below the radar, and not, say, have segments done on them on HBO Real Sports. Or have features written on them in national newspapers or, well, here. Especially ones that have parts like this:
Remember that big flap in Dallas last season [2003]? When he tossed Coach Don Nelson, and then threw Assistant Coach Del Harris a quarter later? It was all over the papers at the time. Joe Crawford says it’s the one call, actually series of calls, he wishes he could have back.
“It caused me a little problem,” says Crawford. “(Nelson) walked up to halfcourt during a timeout and just stood there. I hit him with a ‘T.’ The anger management was kicking in and I just stood there, said in a low voice, ‘Go back to the bench.’ He said he wasn’t going back. I hit him with another ‘T’ and ejected him. When I look back on that, I thought (Nelson) was screwing the game up for me and my partners, and he was trying to intimidate my profession, and that’s what I ejected him for. But it’s not all about my profession. It’s about the game. The more I’m around this, the more I’m figuring this out that it’s just not about the officials, us in our little world.”
Really? He’s figuring that out? Could have fooled me. How about that game in Chicago last month between the Bulls and Pistons, where he double-teched Tyrus Thomas and Richard Hamilton (and eventually tossed them both), and mixed it up with Bulls coach Scott Skiles in between?
“What are we doing?” Bulls coach Scott Skiles asked during a delay.
“Don’t tell me what to do!” Crawford replied.
“I’m not,” Skiles said. “I’m asking, ‘What are we doing?”‘
Crawford has always taken things personally, always injected himself into the game. He’s the only ref I’ve ever seen throw out a FAN—one who was harassing him in New Jersey. As an official don’t you have to be above that?
And this has been going on for YEARS. A quick Google search of “Crawford technical foul” reveals plenty of stories. Like this one, from 1999:
And, there have been classic moments of frustration, like when Reggie Miller was ejected from the Miami game by referee Joey Crawford with just under 2 minutes remaining after applauding a call that had gone in favor of the Pacers. Less than a minute earlier, Miller had been hit with a technical for disputing a foul call against him. Then, when Miami’s Alonzo Mourning was whistled for a foul, Miller earned his walking papers by sarcastically clapping in Crawford’s face.
OK, maybe Reggie deserved that one. But what about the 2003 playoff series between the Bucks and Nets, when the Bucks were hit with 15 techs in five games, including ones handed out to such notorious hotheads as Ervin Johnson and Michael Redd?
“It’s ridiculous,” Sam Cassell said. “I asked Joey Crawford, is this what they want to see? As a fan I wouldn’t want to see 14 technical fouls.”
Or then there’s my personal favorite, from 2005:
Mutombo was whistled for a technical late in the third quarter after complaining about a foul on O’Neal. After the call, Mutombo held up both arms in disbelief and the Rockets’ bench and fans exploded in protest. “He was mocking me with his smile,” official Joe Crawford explained to incredulous Houston coach Jeff Van Gundy.
That’s not a case of an official putting himself above the game? Apparently not, as Crawford blissfully continued along his merry way, tossing people whenever he saw fit. Regular season, playoffs, pre-season. It didn’t matter. And then the League tightened up the rules—or the interpretation thereof—before the start of this season, things just got worse.
Referee Joey Crawford was worked up for a preseason game. He gave Rambis a technical foul at the end of the first half and barked at the Lakers huddle to get on the floor for the start of the second half. Remember that it’s Oct. 15.
Sure enough, Parker was whistled for an offensive foul 40 seconds into the third quarter, shot a look that said he was upset at the call, and was hit with a technical immediately. I guess that’s what the NBA wants this season
Nothing has changed. Joey Crawford has been doing this for his ENTIRE CAREER, with no consequences. He continually responds to situations where he THINKS someone is showing him up by SHOWING THEM UP RIGHT BACK. Which makes no sense whatsoever. After all, it’s safe to assume that more people went to the Dallas game on Sunday to see Tim Duncan than they did to see Joey Crawford. But that’s not the way he thinks.
I’m not asking for him to be fired. It doesn’t appear that would happen anyway. And after so many years of service, I’d rather see Joey look back at his pattern of abuse and just walk away. Retire. It’s too bad, because he undoubtedly loves the game. But it’s about time he stopped hurting the one he loves.
62 Responses to “Joey Cracked”
Apr.17 at 3:10 pm
Cheryl says:
I’m gonna go against the grain here and say that I kinda liked Joey officiating. He was like one of those tough guys on the Sopranos. You never knew if Joey would ‘T’ a guy up or break his kneecaps!
Apr.17 at 3:14 pm
Cheryl says:
Dick Bavetta’s my guy, though. Sweet man, fair ref.
Apr.17 at 3:32 pm
Jerry says:
JOEY CRAWFORD GOT SUSPENDED HAHA!
Apr.17 at 3:35 pm
Jerry says:
oh nvm yll already know..
Apr.17 at 3:49 pm
R. Cortez says:
Suspension of J. Crawford was warrent although
as how many time have you seen NBA plyer down play thier guilt on calls and bark at the referee about the call as if they did nothing wrong, well… look at T. Duncan record on how many times his ego in his mind superstar felt he should not not had got that foul call on him
remember I’m T. Duncan. Maybe he needs to grow up as well and stick to playing ball and not to
re-act to call when he on the bench!
Apr.17 at 3:49 pm
R. Cortez says:
Suspension of J. Crawford was warrent although
as how many time have you seen NBA plyer down play thier guilt on calls and bark at the referee about the call as if they did nothing wrong, well… look at T. Duncan record on how many times his ego in his mind superstar felt he should not not had got that foul call on him
remember I’m T. Duncan. Maybe he needs to grow up as well and stick to playing ball and not to
re-act to call when he on the bench!
Apr.17 at 3:52 pm
TJ 3000 says:
Is there any chance we can see tim duncan and joey crawford in a boxing match next all star weekend
Apr.17 at 3:55 pm
oliver says:
If people didn’t fu*k with him they wouldn’t get thrown out! dont suspend him, just stop Fu**ing with Joey
Apr.17 at 3:55 pm
Gambino says:
I agree, refs shouldnt be above the game, if anything they should have a sort of teachers role with the players, firm, but fair, not getting upset over something petty like a look.
Apr.17 at 4:00 pm
Chris O'Leary says:
Anyone else ever think that Joey was the inspiration for the guy Billy Crystal played in Forget Paris (you know you watched it)? Just breaks down and goes ballistic, T’ing up everyone, throwing out entire teams, Kareem on his farewell night. Doesn’t matter. JOEY CRAWFORD IS FOR THE CHILDREN!
Apr.17 at 4:02 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
Thankfully this happened right before the playoffs, so Joey won’t be around to feel disrespected. That is quite a track record he has.
Apr.17 at 4:02 pm
Jaiwanjin says:
Is it just me or did whoever write this article not put their name on it
Apr.17 at 4:03 pm
Jaiwanjin says:
oops, nm. it’s printed everywhere but up top where it usually is
Apr.17 at 4:10 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I should have opened this thing with a lyric from his namesake, the Don Cartagena: Step into my zone and get blown, my ways are internationally known
Yeah, in case you haven’t heard the rep
Have an appetite for beef and get, hand fed led
Rapid-fire echoes through your, vicinity
Apr.17 at 4:11 pm
A-MoNeY says:
FINALLY!!!! It’s about freggin’ time. Hopefully this shows other refs what not to do.
Apr.17 at 4:16 pm
Shiz says:
I guess there is such thing as “justice”. My favorite Joe Craw moment was when he blew his knee out last year and had to sit on the scorers table. T ‘EM UP!! He’s a feminine care product. He’s like a cop who’s life is going down the toilet so he excercises the only control he can, thru his job, by writing out citations and tickets for spitting and jay walking….If there’s one thing I can’t stand its an abuse of authority…Mr. Crawford, you’re so transparent in your desperate attempt to maintain some semblance of control over your life its actually quite depressing…Here’s hoping Joe Crawford fades into obscurity…early
Apr.17 at 4:19 pm
Shiz says:
And Russ Bengston = gangsta. J.O.S.E.?
Apr.17 at 4:22 pm
Shiz says:
Sorry…Bengtson…which is not to be confused with Benson…which was an awesome show…although I never appreciated the doberman’s chasing the man across the lawn…he was just trying to get to his friggin job.
Apr.17 at 4:30 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Actually, it’s from J.O.E. Fat Joe’s finest work, if you ask me.
Apr.17 at 4:49 pm
doctor j says:
“He was mocking me with his smile.” WOW. joey needs to hang em up.
Apr.17 at 4:58 pm
Nadav Mor says:
“I aint a playa…I’m a ref”?
Apr.17 at 4:58 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
Russ, what’s the next line of that song again? It escapes me at the moment.
Apr.17 at 5:20 pm
Nadav Mor says:
i love mixing pun and joe up.
Apr.17 at 5:23 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
One of my favorite songs on that Fat Joe album is the one where he’s just speaking in spanish over some music from the Godfather. I don’t know what he says but it just sounds good.
Apr.17 at 5:23 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Something about a n***a from Trinity. Didn’t seem to apply to Joey Cracked.
Apr.17 at 5:26 pm
steve kauffman says:
I am prejudiced,as I known Joey for 30 years.Shortly after I founded the Continental Basketball Association David Stern,than a high-ranking League Lawyer, asked me to recommend 3 of my officials.Joey and Dick Bavetta were absolute no-brainers.The 3rd guy was Jack Nies.It is tough to argue that Joey does not have some anger problems.However as someone pointed out he truly loves the game and also he is still easily one of the best officials in the League.Have been agent for 30 years;players would confirm that.Crawford is way too good for the League to lose.It is already hard enough to find semi-competent referees
Apr.17 at 5:58 pm
Mattchew says:
joey has been confronting players for years. he should be fired. bavetta just plays favorites. his philosophy is calls go to superstars. just remember jazz/bulls from ‘98. that’s all i have to say.
Apr.17 at 6:09 pm
veggie1978 says:
Crawford is extraordinarily well-regarded and even beloved by many in and around the league, and this piece is just another diatribe against an official by a sour fan. “Kill the ump.” How revolutionary. Joe Crawford has reffed in the NBA for so many years because he is an excellent official. In case you were unaware, every SINGLE thing each referee does on the court is filmed and then meticulously combed through by the League. They take weekly tests and get frequent progress reports. People get fired for misconduct and subpar performance — and that’s after the laborious multi-year vetting process they go through to actually get into the league. So Crawford’s presence in the NBA is not at all by happenstance or a nod to history, and his continual appointment to playoffs and finals games — something entirely merit-based — should signal this as well. He’s an excellent referee, and a damn good guy. Try and remember that.
Apr.17 at 6:49 pm
Dolo says:
Joey’s aversion to tossing players in key moments of the game is bole-isshhhhht! It’s about time he got checked! I would like to see some of the fines for complaining about the officials repealed too! Whatever happened to freedom of speach? Joey can come back next year but he needs to check himself before he wrecks another game. 1
Apr.17 at 6:52 pm
Drolfe says:
*mocks steve kauffman with his smile*
Apr.17 at 6:59 pm
Dennard C says:
I think little “Joey” is obviously overcompensating for a “short” coming. Besides who in the hell at age 56, goes by Joey?
Apr.17 at 6:59 pm
LordGefroh says:
i’d love to see a joey crawford vs. steve javie cage match. that’s right, i said it.
Apr.17 at 7:04 pm
Garrett says:
Why is it so hard to find “semi-competent referees”? Why can’t the NBA find good referees? I’m not saying it’s an easy job, but professionals exist, and there are people who always excel at their position no matter which profession they are in. There’s more to it than just watching the game and making the calls, but if there’s a loose cannon like Crawford stalking the court, good riddance. Find someone who is consistent and accurate and replace him.
Apr.17 at 7:13 pm
albie1kenobi says:
this almost parallel the Imus saga:
controversial personality with not so fantastic track record
one more terrible call on the national stage
public outcry with no plausible defense for said hothead
suspension
…so is he gonna be fired too?
of course this is a much much lesser issue than racism, but it follows a similar arch.
Apr.17 at 7:20 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I wasn’t gonna type it, but I sure thought it.
Apr.17 at 9:14 pm
sk says:
GOOD NOW THESE OTHER REFS WILL JUST CALL THE GAME INSTEAD OF TRYING 2 GET FAMOUS. NOBODY GIVES A KCUF ABOUT THEM, WELL UNTIL THEY KCUF UP A CALL/GAME….LMAO….LIKE SUNDAY WITH THIS SSA CRAWFORD……STERN IS THE ALL TIME COMMISH……I DIDN’T THINK HE WAS GONNA DO SQUAT….BUTT DAMN…….I’M SHOCKED THIS DUDE DOESN’T PLAY…..AGREED 100%
Apr.17 at 11:09 pm
Jonathan says:
Joey was defantily putting himself above the game and ruining it for others.
Apr.18 at 1:31 am
Sav says:
The aforementioned Richard Hamilton/Tyrus Thomas incident in Detroit a few weeks ago was about as bad a refereeing sequence as I have seen. Hamilton threw two elbows at Thomas and was only called for a foul by Crawford. Both players received technicals after words were exchanged. At that point, there was a lull in the action that Hamilton took advantage of by following Thomas around the court for a good thirty seconds. Crawford was nowhere to be seen as this took place. Several Pistons finally came over to try and pull Hamilton away but weren’t succeeding too well. All the sudden, Crawford appears and throws both out of the game. Thomas was guilty of keeping his mouth shut and walking away.
Apr.18 at 3:51 am
Sesa says:
I liked the idea about controlling the game with techs so it don’t get out of the line, but giving a tech just because you’re glaring or smiling to the Ref? Whassupwitdat? Are the Refs became so vindictive?
Apr.18 at 5:56 am
Redrum says:
so let me get it… according to Joey’s book, you look at him, you get a T, you shout at him, you get at T, now you smile at him, you get a T… so… is there any scenario in his messed up mind that a player can CANNOT get a T contesting one of his calls???
Apr.18 at 7:36 am
andrew says:
It like how dare you question my judgement… he took it personally. As far as a crawford boxing opponent… i’d take NFL ref Ed Hochuli
Apr.18 at 8:45 am
Random says:
Listen, Joey shouldn’t have thrown duncan out. But Duncan was being overtly obnoxious on the bench. Doubled over with laughter? That’s childish. Still, Stern did need to bring Joey in and slap his hands. But the rest of the season? the rest of the playoffs? indefinite? You don’t take a man’s diginity. You don’t ruin a man’s career after 31 years of distinguished service. He is one of the league’s top-rated ref’s. What this article does not mention is player’s love Joey. They love to jaw at him and Joey is a hot head from Philly. But players understand him. He comes from some of the same playgrounds a lot of them did. It can’t and shouldn’t end like this. We all, including players like artest deserve redemption. People are human. They get angry in the heat of battle and make mistakes. Now, love each other.. kiss and make up and let Joey back in the league.
Apr.18 at 9:08 am
Cheryl says:
I agree with Random. Sure, it was a hot-headed call. He could have called a tech on the bench (I think a ref has done that once or twice for acting a fool on the bench) and then go up to Pop and tell him to control his player. However, I don’t think it should have been such a public wrist slapping. The guy is almost forced to retire now because he has lost any credibility he had. And like I said earlier, albeit tongue-in-cheek, I do think Joey is one of the better refs in the league.
Apr.18 at 9:29 am
rob says:
if a referee should not be above the game, then dick bavetta should not have done that run against barks. but i think he earned lots of respect in his career and is something like the older statesman of nba referees. crawford is just one of those referees, where you as a player feel kind of helpless, because he is acting like he is the allmighty. let the players and the plays decide the outcome. taking away timmuh from the game ruined the dallas win for me.
Apr.18 at 9:51 am
Redrum says:
sorry… just realised… isnt Joey on of the refs that was downgraded for false tax claims? he is a bit of a scumbag, aint he?
Apr.18 at 9:56 am
AyVee says:
the technical is the most overused call in nba basketball. they walk every possession but theres more techs in a game than travels, come on now dude need some self esteem or somethin if he needs to throw guys out to make him feel better just because they laughed or smiled. hes a grown man that shouldnt bother his ass!
Apr.18 at 10:00 am
Harlem_World says:
Refs are not bigger than the game dammit. How many games have I watched where the refs ego decides the outcome? The players and coaches are subject to disciplinary measures for poor performance, so should the refs. All the talk of ’service to the game’ blah blah blah - kill that. Suspend him, re-enrol on the anger management and send him down to the NBDL for a hot minute. Let’s see how he responds to that.
Apr.18 at 10:47 am
JEFF says:
HOW COME THERE’S NO FINE FOR THE REF? WHERE DOE’S ALL THAT FINE MONEY GO STERN’S POCKET?
Apr.18 at 11:53 am
niQ says:
man.. joey’s got too much of an ego (for a ref). geez
Apr.18 at 12:06 pm
Random says:
Yes, joey made a mistake with false tax claims like many of his colleagues he downgraded first class tickets and pocketed the money but didn’t declare the income. he paid for that and resumed his career. you guys are all right. he made a mistake and he should pay. i just don’t think the punishment fits the crime here. Mr. Stern, who i actually love and think is the best commissioner in pro sports, has effectively ended a great career. Joey, the hot-head, had a great career as one of the best refs in pro sports. Even his critics understand that. Kick him out 3 games. But if you’ve never suspended him before for his conduct (like artest) then giving him this kind of death penalty is just too much. you go from talking to a guy to death penalty? many of you keep saying players get punished, but not like that. what player is spoken to by the commissioner, then the next time out indefinitely? it doesn’t work like that. you are spoken to. then fined/suspended. then longer suspension/bigger fine. then out.
Apr.18 at 12:10 pm
Random says:
oh Jeff, they don’t fine refs because they don’t make enough money. unlike nfl refs, nba refs at least qualify as full-time. but it’s not a killing. they couldn’t take money from them. it would be like fining a mid-to-high end ups worker for misconduct. they earn a decent to fine living, but you can’t go docking their pay. their homes would be in foreclosure in a hot minute.
Apr.18 at 2:49 pm
James says:
I saw Steve Javie throw out a fan at a raptors game about 5 or 6 years ago.
Apr.18 at 3:40 pm
mdshuai says:
My favorite call ever - though I don’t know the ref that made it; I don’t think it was Crawford - was Sheed’s T for staring at the ref after he got called for a foul.
Apr.18 at 4:56 pm
Michael L. says:
It’s about time! Steve Javie is the other ref that for some crazy reason thinks he’s bigger than the game. No one pays to see the Zebras.
Apr.18 at 10:08 pm
slate says:
Yeah Joe Cracked, shit is real.Ihope that’s what D Stern told you after he put the hammer down.Nobody,refs,coaches or players are above the TEAM game.David Stern is the best commish in sports and I’m glad our sport has him.He’s firm,but he’s fair.Which is the way all refs need to ref the game and leave all egos and personal vendettas at the door.
Apr.18 at 10:21 pm
slate says:
I’m just glad Cracked Joe is not a cop. IMAGINE getting locked up for just asking “Is there a problem officer?” or worse, getting shot for just looking at him wrong.He can return when he gets anger management and have a sit down with Timmy and they can air out their differences like men.
Apr.19 at 3:52 am
Russ Bengtson says:
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Had this been the first time Joey Crawford acted irresponsibly—OK. But Stern spoke to him following the incident with Don Nelson back in ‘03. Crawford understood full well what the consequences could be if he didn’t change. And now he’s paying the price.
Apr.19 at 7:08 am
Redrum says:
hey Random, are you his buddy or something. look, they guy stole money, ejected the whole Mavs coaching stuff at ‘03 and tossed TD, one of the most respectable players ever because he was laughing at the bench. now.. how is he such a good ref if he is so badly affecting games with his attitude?? stealing money aside (which kinda shows ones ethics…), he was a decisive factor for the outcome of 2 games, as tossing the coaching stuff and the best player of team is detrimental for the team’s chance to win a game, more than a bad call here and there.
Apr.19 at 12:44 pm
Oliver says:
he’s still one of the best refs in the game- TD show show a bit more respect- no one seems to think he was the dick in this situation- the oficial has a hard enough time out there on the floor without players acting in a childish and basically pathetic manner- TD is too good a player to get into this sort of trouble- Joey may be a hothead- but this situation is not all his fault at all- and before jumping on the bandowagon of whatever is written on websites and simply agreeing with it- i wish peopke would sit, take time, process the entire situation and then form a concusion- TD had NO right to disrespect an officla like that and persoanlly i dont think its that bad a thing that he got tossed- it will teach hima lesson that he’s not bigger than the game- its a disgrace he’s been sat for the playoffs-
Apr.22 at 9:00 am
Random says:
nah redrum, i’m just a sista from philly. so, because i’m from the same city a joey that may sway me a bit. listen, he did steal money. He and those other refs had to resign and were charged criminally because of it. period. that said, that’s water under the bridge. says who? oh, that would the nba and commish stern who did not have to hire him back. stern chose to do that because crawford is the best. joey didn’t miss one game because of that scandal by the way. the lock out and other stuff kept his streak in tact. that said, yes.. he was spoken too because.. as you, me and others keep pointing out - joey has an anger problem. it doesn’t surface all the time. but he can be a hot head sometimes. just like some players have tendancies and you and me have flaws. he’s not perfect either. and my earlier point is this - he was “spoken” to. NOT SUSPENDED. so, stern (in my opinion) should have treated him the way he has his other nba employees. letter, talking to… suspension… then the death penalty.. not zero to 60. that’s too harsh. if joey was good enough to last and get respect from MOST players, coaches and the league for 31 years, then he does deserve better in this case. suspend him. send him back to anger management. if artest can play again, then joey can ref a game. come on. he is one of the only guys to ref all those finals games.. that hella long streak for a reason. you haven’t heard all these complaints about him till now. all you keep hearing about is the 03 situation. but we also now hear what refs and coaches and other players keep saying about duncan - whiner. and that’s o.k. too. doesn’t mean he’s not a great player. he’s capable of being a baby sometimes. that’s all. joey’s capable of getting frustrated sometimes and he’s gotta pay. just not the death penalty. feel me?
Apr.27 at 1:49 am
tike says:
i know im kinda late but im glad joey got suspended he needed stay a zebra no1 came 2 see you play just ref…idiot!!
May.13 at 11:54 pm
Random says:
lets just hope joey cools off, tells the commish what he needs to hear and changes his behavior for good so he can get back to doing what he does best. veteran players around the league are trying to broker a resolution to this situation as we write on this board because they understand joey is one of the best and they want and need him back in the league.